Who would have thought that the answer to ripped or faded clothing could be as nifty as a 3D printing pen that’s small enough to fit in your bag? Known as the Fabric Pen, this little device might be the simplest way to repair fabric snags when you’re on the go. You don’t even need a needle and thread.
Instead, this futuristic pen mends by 3D printing fabric. Incredible, right? This is all thanks to Ingrida KazÄ—naitÄ—, a Lithuanian designer, whose Fabric Pen was recently selected as one of 35 finalists in the 2014 Electrolux Design Lab competition.
Fabric Pen is a next generation fabric repair kit. It works by scanning damaged fabric and then automatically 3D printing a matching patch to fit the damaged area. The 3D printed fabric is attached to the loose fabric threads and quickly hides any damage.
It’s crazy impressive how the pen ensures the printed patch blends in by making it match the color and material of the damaged garment, but this device could be your chance to have a little fun, too. You could decide to print patches with different colors and patterns to customize your clothing. The options are kinda endless.
Kazėnaitė was inspired by Fabrican’s Spray-on Fabric, which is an instant fabric in a can that takes form as soon as it’s sprayed onto a surface. The result is a non-woven material which consists of interconnected fibers. The Fabric Pen draws on the idea of a fabric particle delivery system to fix any outfit in a flash, but makes it much more precise.
Currently, the pen is still in its concept phase. But it’s certainly a project worth bookmarking and keeping a close eye on — you know we will be. At the very least, this pen says a lot about where the 3D printing industry is headed. This is, after all, just one in a series of innovative 3D printing pens following CreoPop, the Lix and the 3Doodler. We can’t wait to see what comes next.
What do you think of the Fabric Pen? How would you customize your clothing if you could get your hands on it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.